Electric arc for aqueous fluid treatment

ABSTRACT

An aqueous fluid treatment method and system is provided which preferably uses a 3 step electro-chemical oxidation process to remove organic contaminates from water. A high surface area electro-chemical reaction cell can be employed to remove organic particles and precipitate hardness salts from the aqueous solution. Several 3-phase spark arcs generated mixed oxidants and acoustic cavitations to remove dissolved organic compounds and oxidize organic metal compounds in the next step. Finally, a dielectric discharge in aqueous foam is used to eliminate recalcitrant organic compounds such as, but not limited to, polychlorinated aromatics, disinfectants, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals before release to environment or recycled.

This application is continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.13/252,198, filed Oct. 4, 2011, which application is incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of fluid treatmentand particularly to fluid treatments using electro-chemical methods andsystems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electro-hydraulic oxidation has been used to precipitate metals andoxidize organic compounds with supercritical water conditions.Electro-chemical oxidation has been used to remove chemical oxygendemand (COD) in high organic load conditions such as sewage treatment oncruise ships and manufacturing foodstuffs such as cheese. Thoughelectro-chlorination and mediated electro-chemical oxidation have beenfound to be efficient at mineralizing normal organic compound, theycannot oxidize recalcitrant man-made organic compounds. Electro-chemicaloxidation with gas ozone addition has been used to remove recalcitrantorganic compound (pollutants) in the presence of normal organiccompounds in the effluent.

Electro-coagulation and precipitation has been used to remove chemicaloxygen demand and hardness salts from effluent. Electro-sterilizationhas been used in the food industry as an alternative to thermalpasteurization.

Current technology uses an iron or aluminum anode to precipitate theorganic matter from the aqueous solution. To reduce the bacteriapopulation, a biocide is then added to the treated water. If reducedscaling tendencies is desired an anti-scalent is added to the treatedwater. If the organic compound is dissolved in the water like medicaldrugs, then the flocculent does not work on those compounds and if thereis not sufficient organic compound to flocculate it still will not work.Ozone is sometimes added to the process to help with oxidation oforganics, but its reaction rate is slow. In the food industry, the tasteof iron or aluminum in the recycled water is undesired.

The present invention is directed to overcoming these shortcomings inthe prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides a novel system, which canemploy a three (3) step process for treating fluid. In the first stepelectro-chlorination and precipitation can be used to remove normalorganic compounds and hardness. The second step then treats theremaining organic compounds with electro-hydraulic discharge preferablyby using oxygen and/or Ozone gas injection to maximize mixed oxidantgeneration. Finally, the third step polishes the remaining recalcitrantorganic compounds with a dielectric discharge in oxygen gas foam. Withuse of the present invention, industrial mixed waste or city sewage fromindustrial areas can be treated for environmental release withrecalcitrant compounds mineralized to carbon dioxide.

The present invention removes all or virtually all organic compounds inwater by oxidizing them to carbon dioxide and water vapor. The very lowconcentrations of medical drugs are removed from the water by directoxidation with an oxygen plasma in a bubble. With the present inventionsystem and method there is no after taste in the water after treatment.Therefore, the water treated by the present invention system and methodcan be recycled for the food industry without any danger ofcontamination.

Thus, the present invention provides an improved method and system fortreating fluids.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred three electrode spark plugused in accordance with the present invention system and method;

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the three electrode spark plug ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the three electrode spark plug ofFIG. 1 showing attached to a pulsed high voltage power supply;

FIG. 4 is side sectional view of a reactor pipe having a plurality ofthe three electrode spark plugs of FIG. 1 a plurality of baffles and adischarge tube in accordance with the present invention system andmethod;

FIG. 5 is a preferred plumbing and wiring diagram for the preferredthree-phase electrode assembly of the present invention system andmethod;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram for the present invention system and method;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the quartz tube and partial sectional viewof the preferred metal reactor pipe in accordance with the presentinvention system and method;

FIG. 8 is a graph showing PCB PPM Degradation in one non-limitingexample; and

FIG. 9 is a graph showing TCB Degradation in PPM in one non-limitingexample.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As seen in the drawings the present invention system and method fortreating flu ids is shown and generally designated as system 10 (FIG.4). In a preferred embodiment one method for removing recalcitrantorganic compounds is the combination of electro-hydraulic discharge formixed oxidant and oxygen foam generation followed by a glow discharge inoxygen foam to directly oxidize remaining organic compounds at theliquid/gas interface in each bubble in the foam.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrates a preferred three electrode spark pluggenerally designated as reference numeral 20 that can be used withsystem 10 and preferably in communication with the internal fluidcontents contained within a reactor pipe 100 (FIG. 4). With thispreferred three-phase electrode assembly, the ground electrode can bethe gas inlet nozzle 30. A preferred die-electric insulator surface 31helps to prevent or reduce shorting out the electric pulse betweenelectrodes 22. Electrodes 22 can be preferably replaceable and can bepreferably electrically connected to power supply 60 preferably from thebottom of the electrodes 22 (See FIG. 3). A gas nozzle 40 can beprovided for injecting atomized gas into the fluid contained withinreactor pipe 100 (FIG. 4) or other container. Though not consideredlimiting, gas nozzle 40 can be preferably disposed in the center orsubstantially center of the electrodes 22 making up the electrodeassembly. The electrical current return on the electrode assembly can bethrough the gas nozzle opening.

The electrical discharge through the gas jet 32 and in the fluid phasecreates atomic oxygen from the oxygen gas and hydroxyl radicals from theaqueous fluid phase. Most free radicals will recombine to make hydrogenperoxide and ozone gas while others will find organic compounds tooxidize in the fluid. The injected gas through the gas jet cathode 32can be air or oxygen gas, but higher ozone concentrations are createdwith oxygen gas. The gas supply pressure can be pulsed to help promotesmall bubble foam generation for the next process.

As shown in FIG. 3, electrodes 22 can be electronically connected tohigh voltage power supply 60 where a high voltage pulse, such as, butnot limited to about 1 KV to about 100 KV (including any value therebetween) can be generated and supplied to the three phase electrodes 22.

Each electrode 22 can be provided with a head portion 24 and a postportion 26 (FIG. 2). Each electrode 22 can be connected to thedie-electric insulator 31 by convention means, including but not limitedto a threaded relationships (i.e. threads on head portion 24 mating withinternal threads of openings 21 through insulator 31 for insertiontherethrough of corresponding electrodes (See FIG. 2). A snug fitbetween head portion 24 and the corresponding insulator opening 21 (i.e.portion 23) can also be provided in lieu of a threaded connectionrelationship. As also seen in FIG. 2, each insulator opening 21 can havea larger diameter opening portion 23 in communication with a smallerdiameter opening portion 25. When properly connected or secured,electrodes 22 can be preferably removably installed in the body of thespark plug assembly 20, which is preferably accomplished by means ofthreads in the die electric material/insulator 31. Electrodes 22 can bepreferably coated with metal, which can withstand high temperatures aswell as oxidation environment. It is also preferred to have a ceramiccoating on electrodes 22 to prevent them from etching. Nozzle 40 can bemade of ceramic material to prevent erosion from the electric dischargethrough the gas phase.

The whole body of the spark plug apparatus 20 can be watertight and canwithstand hydraulic pressure of pipe 100 or container, which containsthe fluid. The pulse mode of the plasma spark generates acoustic wavesin the fluid contained within pipe 100, which are then utilized tocreate acoustic cavitation in the flowing fluid medium. The cavitationin the fluid helps break up organic compounds in the fluid and promotessmall bubble generation in the foam.

Spark plug apparatus 20 can be provided with external adaptor 37 havingthreads 39 which mate with threaded openings 102 in reactor pipe 100,when securing spark plug apparatus 20 to reactor pipe 100 in a watertight configuration. Reactor pipe 100 can be provided within a fluid orinfluent inlet 104 and a fluid outlet 106 (which can be also referred toas an effluent inlet).

System 10 can also include a die electric tube 80 which can beconsidered located downstream of the three phase electrode assemblies20. Die-electric tube 80 can positioned such that it is within andconcentric or substantially concentric to pipe 100 (See FIGS. 4 and 8).In uses, a high voltage pulse can be discharged along the tube surfaceand into the fluid foamed with oxygen gas from assemblies 20. The groundcurrent return can be the body of pipe 100 itself. As the electricdischarge travels through the foam, each bubble interface becomesionized and makes plasma out of the oxygen gas on the near side of thebubble. The generated atomic oxygen will react with avail organiccompounds or they will form hydrogen peroxide and ozone gas. With suchhigh surface area generated by the foam, organic compounds can beremoved to the parts per billion concentrations.

The capacitive discharge tube 80 preferably contains a quartz tube inthe center or substantially center of reactor pipe 100. The quartz tubecontains a conductive gas or metal electrode with multiple bristles (SeeFIG. 8). Without limitation, the conductive gas could be Argon, Mercuryvapor, hydrogen, etc., which helps to conduct the high voltageelectricity through the quartz die electric medium to metal pipe 100.High voltage can be applied though this medium causing a coronadischarge established between the quartz tube and the body of the pipe.

Each individual spark releases energy in the form of UV light, heat, andmechanical vibration. The sparks breakdown the oxygen nano bubblesproducing O3 molecules, OH— radicals. These oxidants in turn producedmore multi oxidants, which can then be utilized to oxidize thecontaminants in the influent.

The corona discharge element (electric conductive gas or electrode withfilaments) can provide a capacitive load where Ozone and/or hydroxylradicals are produced from oxygen produced as a direct result of anelectric discharge in the oxygen foam. To control and maintain theelectrical discharge a die-electric quartz tube can be used. The powersupply to the central corona discharge tube can sweep the frequency andvoltage to find an optimum power required far the process.

FIG. 5 below shows a primary component plumbing and wiring diagram forthe three-phase electrode assembly 20. For multiple assemblies 20installed an a pipe 100 (See FIG. 4), they are all can be wired inparallel for the electrical and gas supply.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram for the three-phase fluid treatmentmethod and system of the present invention, which uses an Electrolyticcell and reactor pipe with spark plugs. The influent (i.e. fluid orwater to be treated) enters into the process through a booster pump 150and is mixed with oxidant gas, e.g. ozone, oxygen, etc. preferably usinga Venturi setup. A higher-pressure difference across the Venturi createsa vacuum allowing the oxidant gas to mix well with the influent stream.The pressurized influent mixed with the oxidants is then preferablydischarged within an electro oxidation or electrolytic cell reactor 160,through one or more, and preferably through a series of nozzles. Reactor160 can be a tank, vessel, container or similar structure, which acts asa reactor vessel for hydrodynamic cavitation.

Electrolytic cell reactor 160 can be provided with electrodes that areconnected to a DC power supply, which can provide pulsed DC power intothe water (i.e. influent) through the electrodes. Thus, reactor vessel160 can be an electro oxidation reactor where pulsed DC power isprovided or supplied to one or more, and preferably multiple electrodeswith alternating polarity to provide an electro-oxidation process on thefluid within reactor vessel 160. Accordingly, within vessel 160 water iselectrolytically treated through components, preferably including, butnot limited to influent inlet arrangements for cavitation and one ormore pairs of electrodes. The electrodes can be suitable for acontinuous anodic and cathodic operation for treating water withinreactor vessel 160.

The pressurized influent premixed with oxidant gas such as, but notlimited to, ozone, oxygen can be pumped into reactor vessel 160 throughmixing nozzles 162 which can be arranged radially along thecircumference. A power source for each reactor 160 provides voltage andcurrent to the electrodes. A controller maintains the voltage andcurrent to the electrode. The duration of each voltage polarity appliedto each electrode can preferably be the same. The polarity of thevoltage to the electrode can be periodically reversed at a set interval.

Though the flow diagram shows one reactor vessel 160, it should berecognized that one or more reactor vessels 160 can be provided witheach vessel 160 having one or more pairs of electrodes that can bepreferably coated with mixed oxides, Nobel metals and/or boron dopeddiamond electrodes. The power source for each reactor 160 providesvoltage and current to the electrodes. A controller is provided forswitching and regulating the voltage and current to the electrodes.Preferably, the polarity of the electrodes can be reversed at controlledintervals. Electrolysis of the fluid takes place at the cathode andanode, wherein at the cathode the hydrogen gas can be liberatedgenerating hydroxide group and raising the pH of the water locally. Theformation of OH— radical at the cathode reacts with the organic andinorganic compounds to accelerate the oxidation reaction.

The polarity of the electrodes associated with reactor 160 can beperiodically reversed to mitigate electrode surface scaling. The oxidantgas is injected through a Venturi and mixed with the incoming influentprior to entry into reactor 160. The influent mixed with the oxidant gasbubbles preferably discharges into reactor 160 through one or multiplenozzles 162 preferably arranged in a circular array. The array ofnozzles 162 direct the influent flow preferably into the center ofreactor 160 where high turbulence energy dissipation is achieved. Theoxidant gas bubbles are subjected to pressure and velocity variationcausing them to collapse which causes the phenomenon calledsonoluminescence.

The introduction of an oxidizing agent through the discharge nozzles 162into reactor 160 forms cavitation nano bubbles by hydrodynamiccavitation in a low-pressure zone. These nano gas bubblescollapse/implode as they pass through an increase pressure zone.Collapse of the cavitation bubbles may produce ultraviolet oxidation oforganic substance in the fluid. The collapsing of the cavitation bubblesproduces high-energy condition like ultraviolet light, shearing, highpressure, heat, mechanical vibration, noise, etc.

The electro chemical oxidation within reactor 160 using inert electrodescan take place through two mechanisms: 1) direct oxidation wherepollutants are destroyed at the anode surface: 2) indirect oxidationwhere a mediator is electrochemically generated to carry out theoxidation. A mass transfer from the bulk solution to the electrodesurface takes place, and then homogenous or heterogeneous chemicalreactions occur at the electrode surface. In addition, the electrontransfer occurs at the electrode surface The rate of the electrontransfer is governed by the electrode activity and the current densitywhere as the extent of the mass transfer will be controlled by theturbulence in the reactor vessel.

Reactor vessel 160 can be provided with an ammonia gas outlet or ventfor reduction of NOX caused by the release of ammonia gas from theelectro-oxidation process. The above-described electro-oxidation processconstitutes the first phase of the fluid treatment process in accordancewith the present invention.

The fluid treated by the above discussed first phase (i.e. effluentmixed with multi oxidants and nano sized oxygen gas bubbles) is thenforwarded and permitted to enter within reactor pipe 100 preferablythrough one or more or multiple nozzle entries 108 which ensure or helpto ensure relatively high cavitation energy dissipation.

Reactor pipe 100 is provided with at least one and preferably aplurality of spark plugs 20 disposed along reactor pipe 100 and witheach spark plug 20 having their electrodes 22 and gas nozzle 40positioned within pipe 100 and in physical contact with the fluid. Withthe fluid contained within reactor pipe 100, each spark plug 20 emitselectric sparks, preferably in pulses, which releases energy in the formof ultraviolet (UV) light, pressure wave, heat and mechanical vibration.A preferably centrally located capacitive discharge tube 80 can also bedisposed within reactor pipe 100. Tube 80 provides an electric charge,which converts oxygen gas to ozone. By being preferably centrallylocated and even distribution of the electric charge can be achieved.

One or more, and preferably a plurality of, baffles 98 can be positionedwithin reactor pipe 100. Baffles 98 can be provided with multipleorifices therein for hydrodynamic cavitation purposes. Baffles 98 helpto harness the potential energy of the pressure head and velocity intothe hydrodynamic cavitation and also help with the efficient mixing ofthe oxidant gas nano bubbles with the effluent The pressure velocityrelation of the flowing fluid can be used to create the hydrodynamiccavitation. At each orifice hole, the kinetic energy of the liquidincreases at the expense of the pressure head, causing the pressurearound the orifices to drop below the threshold pressure forhydrodynamic cavitation. Subsequently as the liquid jet expands, thepressure increases resulting in the collapse of the gas bubbles. Duringthe passage of the effluent through the multiple baffle orifices,boundary layer separation can occur and relatively high turbulent energydissipation observed downstream.

The preferred three prong spark plugs 20 installed on reactor pipe 100are meant to release a spark in the effluent using pulse voltagegenerator 60. Pulse voltage generator 60 with a high voltage dischargeis considered to overcome the die-electric resistance of the effluent.Pulse voltage generator 60 establishes the sparks in the effluent withinreactor pipe 100. Gas solenoid valve 61 can be provided forsynchronizing the pulsation and discharging the oxidant gas in theeffluent (See FIG. 5). A gas bubble trapped in the middle of the sparkimplodes and the oxidant gas nano bubbles can be converted into multipleoxidants, such as, but not limited to O3, OH—, HO2, H2O2, O, etc. Thesesuper oxidants can then be used to oxidize contaminants present in theeffluent.

Plasma spark plugs 20 emit plasma in pulses, which release energy in theform of UV light, pressure wave, heat and mechanical vibration. The UVlight emitted in the effluent by spark plug 20 helps M the disinfectionprocess and for sterilizing the effluent. The pulse mode of the spark inthe effluent generates the sonic waves in the effluent. The subsequentcompression and rarefaction cycle of the sound waves causes the bubblesto expand and collapse releasing relatively large amounts of energy inthe form of heat, UV light, mechanical vibration, and shear. This formof energy is utilized for oxidation and sterilization of the effluent.Pulse generator 63 can be provided for matching the frequency of theoxidant gas discharge into the effluent with the spark pulse generator60. A compressed gas tank 65 can also be provided for storing the gasfor the process and to act as an accumulator.

The energy released by spark plugs 20 constitutes the second phase oftreatment in accordance with the present invention, while the electriccharge provided by tube 80 to convert oxygen gas to ozone constitutesthe third phase of the treatment. Upon exiting reactor pipe 100, theeffluent is treated with multi-oxidants, with oxidized heavy metals andis free of micro-organisms in accordance with the present inventionsystem and method.

As mentioned above a capacitive discharge tube 80 can be provided in thecenter of reactor pipe 100 for even distribution of electric charge toconvert oxygen gas to ozone. This function of the capacitive dischargetube 80 can be considered the third phase of treatment.

After traveling the through the above described treatment phases, thetreated effluent leave reactor pipe 100 and contains multi-oxidants withoxidized heavy metals and free or at least virtually free ofmicro-organisms.

Certain features, benefits and/or advantages of the present invention,include, but are not limited to the following:

1. A mixed oxidant generator preferably comprising 4 electrodespreferably wired in a ‘Y’ 3-phase current configuration. The pulse widthcan be from about 4 to about 20 microseconds for a square wave current,though not considered limiting or from about 200 to about 2000 Hz forsinusoidal current, though not considered limited. The fourth electrodecan be submerged in flowing gas with an about 20 to about 100% oxygenconcentration. The three electrodes can be submerged in the aqueoussolution contained within a reactor pipe 160 and the electrodecomposition can preferably be made of conductive carbide ceramic, suchas porous silicon carbide, though such is not considered limiting. Thepulse voltage preferably ranges from about 20 to about 100 kV, thoughsuch is not considered limiting. The gas pulse frequency preferablyranges from about 0.1. to about 15 Hz. A. connecting adaptor can beprovided for connected a source of gas through solenoid valve andconnection mechanisms can be provided for connecting the threeelectrodes to a high voltage source to create a electric dischargeacross the four electrodes;

2. A plurality of the generators are provided and along with a pluralityof static mixers can be disposed in connection with a reaction pipe suchthat static mixers will distribute the generated mixed oxidants withbulk aqueous fluid and pulse amplitude is high enough to cause dynamiccavitation of aqueous fluid within the pipe and a die-electric surfacesuch as quartz tube is use to create a electrical discharge into thefoamy bulk fluid;

3. The flow aqueous fluid in the reaction pipe is at a velocity highenough to cause hydraulic cavitation with the static mixers and injectenough oxygen gas to create 20-90% quality foam;

4. The electrodes of the generator can be threadedly engaged with theinsulator portion of the generator and are replaceable; and

5. The central electrode of the generator can comprise a gas nozzle,which can be replaced in case of wear and tear.

Thus, in summary, the first stage of the present invention system andmethod is the electro-chemical cell that oxidizes hulk reactive organicmaterial such as live cellular material in surface water (algae andplankton), bio-processed sewage water, and wash water from foodprocessing. The major oxidation path ways can be chlorine produced onthe anode surface, direct oxidation on the anode surface, andhydroperoxyl radial produced on the cathode surface. This stage isdesigned to reduce organic contamination at percent concentrations.

The second stage is electro-spark array in the pipe reactor. Theelectrical discharge in the gas jet and in the water generates ozone inthe gas phase and hydroxyl radicals in the liquid phase. The hydroxylradical will oxidize chloro-carbon compounds that represent lubricants,drugs, and pesticides and ethylene oxide compounds that representpolymers and plastics. The discharge also generates cavitation in theaqueous phase in the pipe and the cavitation promotes mixing of theoxidant with the bulk liquid phase. This stage is design to reduceorganic contamination at 100 of ppm concentration.

The final polishing stage is the pulse discharge in the oxygen gas foam.The oxygen plasma generated inside each individual bubble will reactwith fluoro-carbon compounds that represent refrigerants and lubricantsin industry and hormones such as estrogen. The polishing stage canreduce organic contamination below 1 ppm and can oxidize compoundconcentrations below 10 ppb.

Thus, in one embodiment, a high voltage DC pulse power supply isprovided which can supply a 3 phase rotating polarity DC power to activeelectrodes at high frequency in a pulsed manner.

A source of gas supply for pure oxygen or pure ozone can be provided tosupply about 20%-about 100% pure oxygen gas to the gas injection nozzle.Make up gas (about 80%-0%) can be inert gases, such as but not limitedto, Argon to maintain the high purity of the oxygen.

In one embodiment, four electrodes can be used. Three active electrodeswhich can act as one anode and two cathodes and a passive groundelectrode. The three active electrodes can be 3-phase electrodesconnected to the high voltage three phase DC pulse power supply such asshown in FIG. 5. A gas jet nozzle can also act as a passive groundelectrode as it can be bodily connected to ground through the gas flowline path as also shown in FIG. 5. The gas jet nozzle is not an activeelectrode but a passive electrode as it is preferably not connected tothe power supply at all. One role of the passive ground electrode is tocapture the residual stray electrons floating around in the vicinity andsend it to ground to avoid their build up in space around the activeelectrodes which might create an electric shock for the operator duringhandling.

The active electrodes are separate than the passive ground electrode.Also, the electrodes can vary in their polarity due to the power supplythat is used. The polarity of our active electrodes, anodes and cathodespreferably change every cycle. Thus if electrode A is anode andelectrodes B and C are cathodes in one cycle, Electrode B becomes anodeand electrodes A and C become cathode. The current, as well as voltage,vary depending upon when the spark discharge triggers. Preferably, thesystem uses 3 phase DC power supply and preferably provides for threeactive electrodes in a special shaped configuration of electrodes. Thepower supply can be a high voltage DC pulse power supply which providesa three phase, rotating polarity, DC power to the three activeelectrodes in a pulsed manner. As mentioned before, electrode A becomesanode and electrodes B and C become cathodes at very high DC voltage inone cycle. In the next cycle, B becomes anode and A & C become cathodeand this rotating of anode and cathodes continues indefinitely during apulse of about 2 seconds at frequency of about 6-about 6000 Hz (about6-about 6000 cycles/second).

The disclosed dielectric medium can preferably be a continuous solidblock, which houses all the four electrodes. The dielectric mediumpreferably provides support to secure the electrodes as well as toprovide insulation for the electrodes. The preferred solid chunk ofdielectric medium can also be suitable to withstand high pressures thatmay exist in the reactor pipe.

The anodes and cathodes can preferably be solids rods of sufficientthickness to withstand the spark discharge as well as the pressure inthe reactor pipe. A dedicated, specially designed injector port for gasinjection can be provided and can be a venturi nozzle for gas injection.The design of the injector port allows for the generation of extremelyfine and uniform bubbles in the liquid. This extremely fine and uniformbubble generation helps in creating a foam around the active electrodesthat lasts longer than normal bubbles due to lower rise velocity andhelps in achieving a better spark discharge.

References to nozzle in the disclosure, are referring to the disclosedventure nozzle. The disclosed gas injection is set up using the venturenozzle, which can create a very tine and uniform bubble size of gas thusproducing a longer lasting finer foam around the electrodes which helpsin a better spark discharge among the active electrodes. Bigger gasbubbles do not last long around the cathode and anode and rise to thewater surface very fast thus giving a very short time for dischargearound the active electrodes of anode and cathode. The disclosed gasinjection portion can be provided with a venturi shape to create thefine, uniform gas bubbles to generate uniform form in the liquid asopposed to bigger, non-uniform gas bubbles.

The disclosed electrodes are preferably made from a completely puresingle material of conductive ceramic carbide. Thus, the whole solid rodactive electrodes can be completely made of only conductive ceramiccarbide material. Since there is only one pure material of construction,issues with micro-cracks development in the electrodes are significantlyreduced, if not eliminated.

Preferably, the system used less than about 90% oxygen and greater thanabout 10% air or pure oxygen or pure ozone or pure argon or a mixture ofoxygen and inert argon as make up gas to maintain the purity of oxygengas. By using 100% oxygen or as little amount of air (<10%) as possible,in addition to pure oxygen, the efficiency of production of oxidizingspecies such as O, OH, O3, H2O2 etc. is increased, and the presence ofnitrogen (found in air) is significantly reduced, if not limited. Thepresence of nitrogen impurities in the source gas produces pollutantspecies such as NOx gases during spark discharge and also consumes theavailable oxygen and the produced oxidizing species thus reducing theavailability of produced oxidizing species in the liquid. Thus, pureoxygen gas is preferably used or a mixture of pure oxygen and inertargon as make up gas to maintain the purity of the oxygen and avoid thepresence of nitrogen impurities.

The disclosed Y electrode arrangement, in communication with a DC highvoltage pulse power supply, produces a spark discharge under water.Thus, all active electrodes can be completely submerged in the liquid.Even if there is no injection of gas, a spark discharge can still beproduced using the rotating polarity electrode because of the very highvoltage barrier that can be created for extremely short periods of time,just sufficient to produce spark discharges under water.

The term “pulse” can be defined to mean that the gas flows for a shortperiod of time, such as, but not limited to, about 2 seconds, then stopsfor a short period of time, such as, but not limited to, about 4seconds, then flows again for a short period of time and this processcontinues indefinitely. This process can be controlled by a solenoidcontrol valve, such as, but not limited to, solenoid control valve 61shown in FIG. 5. The ON/OFF time of the gas flow through the solenoidcontrol valve can be regulated by a pulse generator 63 for the solenoidvalve.

All locations, sizes, shapes, measurements, amounts, angles, voltages,frequencies, component or part locations, configurations, temperatures,weights, dimensions, values, percentages, materials, orientations, etc.discussed above or shown in the drawings are merely by way of exampleand are not considered limiting and other locations, sizes, shapes,measurements, amounts, angles, voltages, frequencies, component or partlocations, configurations, temperatures, weights, dimensions, values,percentages, materials, orientations etc. can be chosen and used and allare considered within the scope of the invention.

Unless feature(s), part(s), component(s), characteristic(s) orfunction(s) described in the specification or shown in the drawings fora claim element, claim step or claim term specifically appear in theclaim with the claim element, claim step or claim term, then theinventor does not considered such feature(s), part(s), component(s),characteristic(s) or function(s) to be included for the claim element,claim step or claim term in the claim when and if the claim element,claim step or claim term is interpreted or construed. Similarly, withrespect to any “means for” elements in the claims, the inventorconsiders such language to require only the minimal amount of features,components, steps, or parts from the specification to achieve thefunction of the “means for” language and riot all of the features,components, steps or parts describe in the specification that arerelated to the function of the “means for” language.

While the invention has been described and disclosed in certain termsand has disclosed certain embodiments or modifications, persons skilledin the art who have acquainted themselves with the invention, willappreciate that it is not necessarily limited by such terms, nor to thespecific embodiments and modification disclosed herein. Thus, a widevariety of alternatives, suggested by the teachings herein, can bepracticed without departing from the spirit of the invention, and rightsto such alternatives are particularly reserved and considered within thescope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mixed oxidant generator comprising: a singledielectric medium having a first surface and second surface; threeactive electrodes acting as one anode and two cathodes and adapted forconnection to a high voltage three phase DC pulse power supply, eachelectrode of said three active electrodes having a first end and asecond end, said plurality of electrodes secured to said singledielectric medium such that said first end of each electrode extends outof said dielectric medium at said second surface of said dielectricmedium, said dielectric medium serving as an insulator between portionsof said plurality of electrodes disposed within said dielectric medium;and a gas delivery member having a first end and a second end secured tosaid dielectric medium, said gas delivery member also serving as apassive ground return electrode; wherein said single dielectric mediumhousing the three active electrodes and the gas delivery member servingas a passive ground return electrode.
 2. The mixed oxidant generator ofclaim 1 wherein said gas delivery member is disposed at leastsubstantially in a middle position with respect to said three activeelectrodes.
 3. The mixed oxidant generator of claim 1 wherein said gasdelivery member is disposed substantially center with respect to saiddielectric medium..
 4. The mixed oxidant generator of claim 1 whereinsaid three active electrodes are provided in a ‘Y’ 3-phase currentconfiguration; wherein said three active electrodes are separate fromthe gas delivery member serving as a passive electrode.
 5. The mixedoxidant generator of claim 1 further comprising a pulsed high voltage DCpower supply which provides three phase, rotating, DC power to saidthree active electrodes.
 6. The mixed oxidant generator of claim 1wherein said gas delivery member having a gas inlet Venturi shapednozzle disposed at a second end at or adjacent to the first surface ofsaid dielectric medium for create fine, uniform gas bubbles to generateuniform foam.
 7. The mixed oxidant generator of claim 1 wherein each ofsaid three active electrode composition is constructed solely fromconductive carbide ceramic.
 8. The mixed oxidant generator of claim 1further comprising a source of gas which is injected through said gasdelivery member by entering through the second end of said gas deliverymember and exiting out of said first end of said gas delivery member;wherein said source of gas is either (1) pure oxygen, (2) pure ozone,(3) about 90% or more oxygen and about 10% or less air or (4) a mixtureof pure oxygen and inert argon.
 9. The mixed oxidant generator of claim4 wherein the first ends of said three active electrodes are submergedin an aqueous solution contained within a reactor pipe.
 10. The mixedoxidant generator of claim 9 wherein a source of gas is delivered underpressure in a pulsed manner to said gas delivery member and a highvoltage source is supplied to said three active electrodes in a pulsedmanner to create a electric discharge across the three active electrodesand said gas delivery member at or adjacent to their respective firstends; wherein an on and off delivery of the source of gas to create thepulsed manner of delivery is controlled by a solenoid control valveregulated by a pulse generator.
 11. The mixed oxidant generator of claim1 wherein an adaptor is secured to an outer wall of a reactor pipe suchthat the plurality of electrodes are submerged in an aqueous solutioncontained within the reactor pipe.
 12. The mixed oxidant generator ofclaim 11 wherein a plurality of mixed oxidant generators are secured tothe reactor pipe.
 13. The mixed oxidant generator of claim 12 wherein aplurality of baffles are secured within said reactor pipe, wherein onebaffle of said plurality of baffles is disposed between adjacent mixedoxidant generators, each of said baffles having a plurality of orifices.14. The mixed oxidant generator of claim 12 wherein a quartz tube with asecond set of electrodes for capacitive electric discharge is centrallyor substantially centrally disposed within said reactor pipe.
 15. Themixed oxidant generator of claim 1 further comprising a high voltage DCpulse power supply which supplies 3-phase rotating polarity DC power tosaid three active electrodes at high frequency in a pulsed manner andwhich causes a polarity for each of the three active electrodes to varyand not remain fixed.
 16. The mixed oxidant generator of claim 8 furthercomprising a source of gas supply of pure oxygen or pure ozone whichsupplies about 20% to 100% pure oxygen gas to the gas inlet nozzle. 17.The mixed oxidant generator of claim 1 wherein each of the three activeelectrodes is a solid rod.
 18. The mixed oxidant generator of claim 16further comprising a source of make-up gas in an amount so that whenadded to an amount of pure oxygen gas provided a total amount of themake up gas and the pure oxygen gas equals 100%.
 19. The mixed oxidantgenerator of claim 18 wherein the make-up gas is Argon gas.
 20. A methodfor treating fluid comprising the steps of: (a) providing a source offluid; (b) directing the source of fluid into an electro-chemical cell(c) oxidizing bulk reactive organic material contained in the source offluid for the fluid in the electro-chemical cell; (d) directing thesource of fluid out of the electro-chemical cell and into a reactorpipe; (e) providing a source of gas and creating electro-spark array inthe reactor pipe reactor to generate ozone in the gas phase and hydroxylradicals in the liquid phase, wherein the hydroxyl radicals oxidizechloro-carbon compounds and ethylene oxide compounds and whereincavitation is generated in the liquid phase within the reactor pipe andto promote mixing of the oxidant; (f) creating a pulse discharge inoxygen gas foam; wherein oxygen plasma generated inside each individualbubble will react with fluoro-carbon compounds.